Architecture firm Atelier Lina Bellovicova designed a modern cabin in Chriby, Czech Republic, a mountainous region known for its dense deciduous forest. Created for a client with a strong connection to nature and photography, the home reflects a clear vision shaped by both lifestyle and material choice.
Built From Hempcrete and Timber
The house, surrounded by trees, is built with a wood frame that uses hempcrete for the walls. This material choice plays a major role in how the home performs and feels.
Hempcrete was selected for its insulating qualities, along with its ability to be recycled and its resistance to pests, fire, and mold. It also absorbs carbon dioxide as it hardens over time, adding another layer to its appeal. For the architect, working with hempcrete brought both challenges and new insights, especially as it had not been widely used in the Czech Republic before.
A Green Roof That Extends the Landscape
The roof design allows for a green layer to grow across its surface, helping the house blend into the surrounding forest. This planted roof also improves insulation, adding to the overall performance of the structure.
Over time, the house is expected to visually merge more with its environment as vegetation settles in and matures.
Glass Walls That Open to the Outdoors
Large glass doors on either side of the main living areas bring in natural light throughout the day. These openings connect directly to a deck that wraps around the home, making it easy to move between inside and outside.
The transparency of the glass frames views of the surrounding trees while allowing the interior to feel open and bright.
An Open Living Space With a Strong Kitchen Presence
Inside, the layout is centered around an open-plan dining and kitchen area. The material palette leans heavily on wood, creating a warm and simple backdrop.
Within this setting, the stainless steel kitchen stands out, adding contrast and a slightly industrial edge to the otherwise natural interior.
A Child’s Room With Simple Details
In the child’s bedroom, a small wooden ledge has been added for books. This simple feature adds function without introducing unnecessary elements. It reflects the overall approach of the house, where even small details are reduced to their most practical form.
A Minimal Hallway and Bedroom
Plywood closets line the hallway that leads to the main bedroom, keeping storage integrated and visually consistent with the rest of the home.
The bedroom itself is minimally furnished, focusing on simplicity and calm, with just the essentials in place.
A Bathroom Framed by Light
The bathroom includes a built-in sunken bathtub, paired with a minimal wood vanity. A large picture window brings in natural light while framing views of the surrounding forest. The result is a space that feels open and quiet, with a strong connection to the outdoors.
House LO is shaped by clear decisions around material, layout, and setting. From hempcrete walls to the green roof and open living spaces, each element supports a way of living that shifts with time.